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The number of mobile phone users worldwide soared to over 3.3 billion by the end of 2007, equivalent to a penetration rate of 49 per cent, the International Telecommunications Union said in a report this week.
Africa showed the strongest gains over the past two years and more than two thirds of all mobile subscribers were from developing countries by the end of 2007, the ITU said.
This is "a positive trend that suggests that developing countries are catching up," the report said.
Mobile subscription growth stood at 39 per cent annually in Africa between 2005-2007, and 28 per cent in Asia over the same period.
India and China added 154 million and 143 million new subscribers respectively.
The global annual average growth rate stood at 22 per cent, the ITU said.
Mobile phones are eclipsing traditional fixed lines and in Africa they account for nearly 90 per cent of all telephone subscribers, the report said.
"The continued growth in the mobile sector is matched by no-growth in the fixed-line sector. Fixed telephone penetration has been stagnating at just under 20 per cent globally for the last years and growth has been below one per cent between 2005 and 2007," it said.
While developing countries have made great strides in mobile growth, a significant 'digital divide' remains for internet use and particularly the availability of broadband connections, it noted.
High-income countries account for 66 per cent of all fixed broadband subscribers although they only represent 16 per cent of the world's population, while developing countries have just one per cent of fixed broadband users but 38 per cent of the global population.
"Low-income countries, where broadband access remains very low, risk falling behind in an area that is particularly important in delivering innovative applications and services," the ITU warned.
Some countries have made progress and the ITU highlighted Chile, Senegal and Turkey as states where almost all internet subscribers have now gone high speed.
"For more people to benefit from the potential of broadband and the applications that it can deliver, governments need to do their share to ensure that high-speed technologies become more accessible as well as more affordable," the ITU urged.


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Royal Mail declares parcel business biggest contributor to revenues in first results since privatisation
The Royal Mail has said its parcel division is its biggest contributor to group revenues, making up 51% of the business, as the company reports its first financial results since its privatisation last year.
Royal Mail: parcel business growth has boosted overall revenue
The company said its group revenues grew by 2% to £9.45m, due to its parcel revenue growth, which overtook its letters business for the first time.
Chief executive Moya Greene said the company WAS facing "a couple of headwinds" and that "the competitive environment on the parcels side is more intense. We are taking steps to remain the leader in this growing market".
in a bid to compete with rivals DPD and Hermes, Royal Mail declared yesterday that it will trial a Sunday delivery service this summer, opening around 100 of its UK delivery offices on Sunday afternoons to deliver parcels to households within the M25.
It will also extend its Parcelforce service for major e-commerce customers.
The news comes months after Royal Mail revealed it is cutting 1,600 jobs within its operational and head office managerial function, as part of a £50m cost-cutting drive that has been expected to result in marketers losing their jobs.
The revelation came despite the messaging of the brand's Christmas campaign, which championed the dedication of its postmen and women, in its first TV work for six years.
This article was first published on marketingmagazine.co.uk
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domain: news


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Cheese shop closes in Sayville after 10 years
The shop managed to weather the first weeks of the pandemic with a takeout menu, but announced the permanent closure June 30.
Top-rated pizza spot closes in Oakdale
"With the pandemic," co-owner Raquel Wolf said, "we just couldn't sustain it any more."
Raul Guale Jr.: Nurse who was always willing to help those in need
There has been an outpouring of support for his wife and two daughters.
They called for a Black Lives Matter protest in Sayville; the people answered
The march, organized by college students and unlike any demonstrations Sayville has seen, underscored how protests for racial justice have reached even less racially diverse suburban communities.
LI restaurants hosting drive-in movie nights
This is the newest twist on dinner and a movie.
Holiday ferry ridership worse than expected, operators say
The number of day-trippers and beachgoers on Memorial Day weekend was down drastically, ferry company owners say.
Some mom-and-pop stores say they are ready to open 'in full'
Business owners in downtown Sayville urge the state to ease distancing guidelines because they have put safety measures in place.
Oakdale seafood spot reopens as 'pop-up lobster shack'
The takeout menu features baked clams, popcorn shrimp, a lobster roll and more.
Meet the finalists for the 2020 Newsday Marcus A. Henry Award
This award is presented annually to a Long Island high school student who excels in the classroom and in athletics, and also displays great leadership.
LI restaurants to host drive-in movie nights
Reservations include food and drinks to enjoy in your vehicle during the screening.


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News / Hapag-Lloyd to merge with UASC after secret talks with Gulf owners
Hapag-Lloyd is to merge with UASC. The news follows the Dubai-headquartered carrier being excluded from the new ...
News / Shippers prepare risk-mitigation plans ahead of anticipated boxship alliance shake-up
With a radical overhaul of liner shipping’s alliance structure increasingly certain over the next 12 ...
News / Next round of 'musical chairs' among container shipping alliances 'will be revealed next month'
The next iteration of global shipping alliances should become clearer by the end of April, ...
News / Bad weather hits Felixstowe, so UASC diverts more sailings to London Gateway
Adverse weather at the UK’s biggest container port, Felixstowe, caused more disruption last week, and ...
News / Container shipping pricing set for major change, consigning the suspect GRI to a watery grave
RIP the GRI. For at least three years, the major shipping lines may no longer attempt ...
Recommends / Box lines offer to change pricing policy to appease EU antitrust probe
GRIs could become a thing of the past as the major container shipping lines try ...
News / Hapag-Lloyd to impose post-CNY rate hikes as blanked sailings slow the pace of price decline
Hapag-Lloyd today announced a new general rate increase (GRI) of $900 per teu on headhaul ...
News / UK customers get heated after fire on UASC Barzan leads to 'two-week' delay
Ocean Three alliance customers in the UK were left seething with frustration this week after ...
News / 'Go global or go home' the message to niche lines following HS-UASC alliance
“The message is clear,” said Drewry in its weekly container analysis this morning. “The mantra ...
- 1.Investors get nervous as DoJ subpoenas CEOs of major carriers at the Box Club
- 2.Maersk retreats as Brazil's imports drift away, leaving no containers for exports
- 3.Shareholders demand change at DX Group – chairman Holt in the crosshairs
- 4.FedEx still paying the price for its acquisition of 'under-invested' TNT
- 5.US forwarder offered 'personal shopper' service to evade tough export regulations
- 1. Jens Opara on Asia-Europe shippers 'over a barrel' as carriers use capacity crunch to hike rates
- 2. Mark Hawkins on Air freight rates out of Asia soar as capacity tightens – 'congestion equals dollars'
- 3. email@example.com on Hi-tech new blood won't disrupt air cargo, it brings new life
- 4. Alfred Ellis on Asia-Europe shippers 'over a barrel' as carriers use capacity crunch to hike rates
- 5. Watanabe on Carriers bid to impress shippers with faster Asia-North Europe transit times


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Gold prices sparkle - investors benefit
There has been a drop in sales due to the sudden increase in gold
prices which has hit a record high of US$ 1,000 an ounce, according to
A gold sovereign weighing 24 carats increased from Rs. 26,100 last
month to Rs. 27,400 due to the weakening of the US dollar and the surge
in world oil prices which has hit US$ 109 a barrel. Manufacturers who
attributed the sudden escalation in gold prices to the market recession
in the US and countries investing in gold for oil hedging said that a
sovereign may reach Rs. 30,000 by June.
They said that this is the best time to invest on an asset that is
safe, readily cashable and doesn't lose its value.
Chairman, Pattakannus (Pvt) Ltd., S.A. Thiagarajah said the rise in
gold prices has a negative impact on the turnover which has dropped by
50 per cent during the past four to five months.
Gold prices have been on the increase except when prices dropped 20
years ago resulting in a 20 per cent slump in sales.
A 24 carat sovereign dropped from Rs. 600 to Rs. 480.
Thiagarajah said when he started business in the 1960s a 24 carat
sovereign was Rs. 60.Gold prices have shot up to an unimaginable level
and jewellery buyers are compelled to order smaller quantities. "Banks
and those who buy in bulk will benefit with the increase in prices.
A 10 tola bar known as a biscuit is the minimum quantity that they
buy", he said. Waruna Manikdiwela, Branch Manager, Swarna Mahal
Jewellers, Wattala, said due to the increase in gold prices there is a
shortage of gold in the market. Investors are grabbing the opportunity
to gain big returns from banks.
"Gold prices are affecting our sales but there will be a demand
during the Sinhala Hindu New Year. If prices continue to rise we will
reduce labour and use machines", he said. People buy jewellery for
weddings, engagements, naming of a child and other important family
Corporates buy gold to reward service excellence and other
achievements. Sportsmen are rewarded with gold medals for their
The demand for gold is high during the festive period from April to
December and drops during the lean period from February to March.
The price of a 24 carat gold sovereign has been increasing from the
middle of last year.
The price increases are as follows; June Rs. 17,600, October Rs.
20,000, December Rs. 21,600 and March Rs. 27,000.
One troy ounce is equal to 3.89 sovereigns which is 31.10 grams.


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Surely the real Mario would never do that! (pic: Twitter)
Twitter’s changes to its verification system means it’s now much easier to create a fake account and pretend you’re a major games company.
We’re not going to get into all the madness of Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter because it’s all too depressingly stupid, but the changes in how the verified blue ticks work is currently causing turmoil because it’s made it much easier to fake an official account.
We assume this must be happening in all sorts of different areas, but in gaming it’s meant that for the paltry sum of £6.99 you can get a verified tick that makes it look like fake accounts for big name companies like Nintendo and Valve are real.
That’s led to not only a ton of fake news but things like the above image of Mario giving his fans the bird. The Twitter handle of @nintendoofus is obviously not real but the name was listed as Nintendo of America and by paying for the blue tick it suddenly looked official to casual observers.
This is not real (pic: Twitter)
Twitter does seem to have realised the problem, as the blue tick has been removed at time of writing, along with most of the Nintendo related posts, but otherwise the account is still up and running.
Naturally, this had led to all sorts of other tomfoolery, with a fake Rockstar Games account claiming that GTA 6 is going to be unveiled next week and a fake Valve one announcing Ricochet: Neon Prime.
At least they didn’t go straight to a Half-Life 3 reveal (pic: Twitter)
Then there’s a fake Twitch account that pretended that the controversial subscription model has been changed. At time of writing that one still has a blue tick, perhaps because the handle is @twitchparody
So far, most of the posts have been fairly good humoured but that could easily change and the Valve one in particular got thousands of likes by the end, presumably from people who thought it was real.
For a few hours yesterday there was an ‘Official’ tag for verified accounts, as well as just the blue tick, but that whole concept was ditched before the end of the day.
As long Elon Musk continues to act like Lex Luther’s idiot brother this sort of thing will likely continue, so be very careful about what news you choose to believe on Twitter, as it may not have come from the source you assume.
To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.
For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.


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Apple filed a complaint last week with the Commission claiming HTC had infringed ten of the firm's patents. However, in preliminary findings, the ITC revealed it believed only two of the ten patents relating to the iPhone had been infringed.
The ITC findings must now be reviewed by a six-member committee. A final verdict is expected on December 6. If the complaint is upheld, the US may ban some HTC phones being imported into the country.
HTC said it will "vigorously fight these two remaining patents through an appeal before the ITC commissioners who make the final decision" along with maintaining it has never infringed any of Apple's patents.
"This is only one step of many in these legal proceedings."
It’s not the first time Apple has hit out at HTC. In March last year, Apple filed a lawsuit alleging that HTC infringed 20 of its patents relating to the user interface and the underlying architecture and hardware of the iPhone. However, HTC retaliated by filing a complaint with the ITC claiming Apple infringed five of its patents. While it did not reveal the technology covered in the patents, it did ask the ITC to halt the importation and sale of the iPhone, iPad and iPod in the US.


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September 6, 2018, TORONTO: Canvass Analytics, a provider of AI-enabled predictive analytics for the Industrial Internet of Things, is pleased to announce that it has been named as one of the 20 most innovative companies in Canada and inducted in the 2018 CIX Top 20 program. The CIX Top 20 program is run by the Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX), Canada’s largest national showcase of the hottest and most innovative tech companies. Selected from hundreds of submissions, the CIX Top 20 represent game changing companies that have demonstrated outstanding product quality, innovation, market opportunity, depth of management and business model.
This latest award reinforces the Canvass Analytics’ accelerating momentum in the market, following the recent announcement that Gradient Ventures’ made its first lead investment in Industrial analytics with the Toronto-based company. Gradient Ventures is Google’s AI-fund that was established to accelerate innovation in AI.
Humera Malik, CEO of Canvass Analytics commented:
“The Canadian tech market is booming with innovation and we are proud to be selected as one of the top 20 companies by the CIX panel. This recognition further validates our strategy and approach to disrupting the industrial sector with our AI platform.”
Founded in 2016, Canvass Analytics provides an automated AI-powered analytics platform that continuously identifies operational improvements up to 12 times faster than any other solution. Its customers include Fortune 500 industrial companies across the automotive, aerospace, energy, and food and agriculture industries.
Lauren Linton, Executive Director of CIX commented:
“On behalf of the CIX Selection Committee, I congratulate Canvass Analytics’ induction into the CIX Top 20 program. It joins an elite list of hot Canadian tech companies that have made up the CIX Top 20 over the past decade. We look forward to seeing it continue to fly the Canadian flag of innovation, excellence and global competitiveness.”
The CIX Top 20 is judged by the CIX Selection Committee, which comprises of Canada’s leading technology and innovation experts, academics, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from organizations such as the Business Development Bank of Canada, Sidewalk Labs, CIBC Innovation Banking and MaRS IAF.


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Sheepshead Bay—Homecrest— Manhattan Beach—Gravesend
A man impersonating a police officer stole a 14-year-old’s cellphone on E. 16th Street, according to authorities.
Police say the conniving crook approached the victim near Avenue W at 2:57 pm. The impersonator allegedly said to the teen, “That’s my brother’s cellphone. I’m a police officer — give me my brother’s phone or I will call my friends and they will beat you up.”
Police said the perp then stole the teenager’s phone and fled on a bicycle.
Cops say three good-for-nothings stole cellphones from two teens on E. 16th Street on March 11.
Authorities say the crooks threatened the victims with a box cutter near Avenue T at 5:15 pm. One of the thieves grabbed the teenagers’ cellphones as the two other perps waved the box cutters, according to a police report.
A gun-wielding goon robbed a grocery store on Coney Island Avenue on March 8, police said.
Cops say the robber snatched $400 then fled on foot from the shop near Avenue P at 8:30 pm.
Police say a bungling burglar stole an empty safe from a shop on E. 13th Street on March 9.
Authorities say the crook broke into the store near Kings Highway at 5 pm. The thief broke the safe’s lock and discarded it nearby, apparently after discovering the safe was empty according to police.
— Vanessa Ogle


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Silhouettes of a young couple under the starry sky. My astronomy work.
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House to remove vape products in sin tax bill after Duterte orders ban
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will remove vaping products or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) from the bill imposing increased tax rates on liquor and heated tobacco.
This is after President Rodrigo Duterte banned the use and importation of e-cigarettes in the country.
House ways and means committee chairperson Joey Salceda on Wednesday said that the vaping products would be removed under the “sin tax” bill during the bicameral conference committee (bicam) between the House and the Senate.
“Siyempre susunod kami, so pagdating po ng bicam aalisin po namin so we will let the Department of Health [DOH] na mag-manage niyan,” Salceda told reporters in an interview.
(We will follow the President’s ban, so during the bicam, we will remove vaping products on the bill. The DOH will be in charge in managing that.)
“Virtually, ang gagawin namin doon, all taxes in vape will also be removed pati na yung existing, kasi may existing tax on vape diba, aalisin din namin yun so we don’t recognize vape anymore as a product that is being taxed,” he added.
(We will remove all taxes on vape, including the existing ones. We don’t recognize vape anymore as a product being taxed.)
He assured that the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law will not be affected by the exclusion of the vape products under the “sin tax,” whose projected revenue was about P1.4 billion.
“I think we can still proceed. That means the onus will now be on fermented products and distilled spirits. We can make up for it in the other tax, other components of the sin tax measures,” the Albay representative said.
“I don’t think we will allow the UHC to be jeopardized by the ban, in fact, it could be helpful if DOH could implement the ban on vapes,” he added.
Prior to Duterte’s ban, the House approved on third and final reading a bill that will gradually increase excise tax rates on liquor and heated tobacco and vapor products.
The President has also certified as urgent the Senate version of the measure, Senate Bill No. 1074.
Once the Senate approves the measure on third reading, both chambers of Congress will convene a bicam to reconcile disagreeing provisions of the bill.
The President’s ban on vaping products came after the DOH reported the first case of vape-related lung injury.
The patient was a 16-year-old girl from Central Visayas who had been using e-cigarette daily for four months since March. She then started smoking both the device and traditional cigarettes until she was hospitalized on Oct. 21.
Edited by JPV
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Tata Motors’ wholly-owned electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited (TPEML), is gearing up to introduce a new EV in the Indian market. The company recently sent media invites for the global unveiling event of a new mysterious electric car that has been scheduled for April 29, 2022.
Tata Motors has not yet revealed any specific details about the upcoming electric car. However, it is believed that the company will unveil the production-spec version of the Altroz EV or the much-awaited long-range Nexon EV. Whether it will be the Altroz EV, an updated Nexon EV, or a brand new model, we will get to know on the 29th of April.
The Tata Altroz EV was unveiled in its pre-production concept avatar at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Moreover, it was showcased in India at the Auto Expo 2020 as well. However, there are very scarce details about its powertrain, though it is likely to share the same with the Nexon EV. Tata Nexon EV currently gets a 30.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack coupled with an electric motor.
This powertrain develops 129 hp & 245 Nm and claims to offer a driving range of 312 km per charge. The much-awaited long-range Nexon EV is expected to get a 40 kWh battery pack with a claimed range of over 400 km on a full charge. It is worth mentioning that Tata Motors recently announced its plans to launch ten new electric cars in India over the next five years across different segments.
Stay tuned with Express Drives for more updates and also, do subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest auto news and reviews.


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Eighty years ago today, Franklin D. Roosevelt took the oath of office, beginning his second term as president. Roosevelt was first the president to be inaugurated on January 20 under the 20th Amendment. Previously, presidents were sworn in on March 4.
And now…The Mash!
We begin at the University of Leuven in Belgium, where scientists have found that brewers “tamed” beer yeasts by reusing them until they adapted to the brewery environment. In fact, brewery yeasts couldn’t survive if reintroduced into the wild.
At age 87, former Australian prime minister Bob Hawke drank a beer while watching the Aussie cricket team take on Pakistan. In college, Hawke set a world record by drinking a yard of ale—that’s three pints—in 11 seconds.
John Laffler, the co-founder of Off Color Brewing, has a confession to make. He’s a fan of Miller High Life, which he describes as light, crisp, technically perfect, and very consistent.
This year’s 10th annual Philadelphia Beer Week will be part of a year-round celebration called “Philly Loves Beer”. Organizers hope the new format gives local breweries greater exposure and draws more visitors.
Refocusing on daytime business, Starbucks has dropped evening beer and wine sales. However, alcohol may eventually return to the chain’s high-end “Roastery” locations.
Finally, bad craft beer is becoming more common. Reasons include lax brewing standards, under-trained brewers, and intense competition that tempts breweries to bring faulty beer to market rather than dump it.
For years, the advertising slogan for Miller High Life was “The Champagne of Bottled Beers”. However, there’s a beer with a much stronger claim to the word “Champagne”, and it’s been around twice as long.
“Deus”, which is Latin for “God”, is brewed in Buggenhut, Belgium, by the Bosteels Brewery. This brewery was founded in 1791, and has been in the family—seven generations in all—from the beginning. Deus is, stylistically, a Brut des Flandres or a Biere de Champagne. It’s even packaged in 750-ml Champagne-style bottles.
Bosteels brews Deus as strong blonde ale, then sends it to Epernay in France’s Champagne regionAfter fermentation the beer is bottled, then placed in a cellar for nine months, with each bottle rotated by hand once a week. This process allows the yeast to naturally carbonate the beer, giving it the fine bubbles characteristic of Champagne.
After cellaring, the yeast sediment is removed in a process called degorgement. The bottles are stored neck down to allow the yeast to settle near the cork; then the necks are flash-frozen, and the bottle is uncorked. After the yeast plug is removed, a new cork is placed on the bottle. And voila! Champagne-like beer.
Breweries are among the oldest businesses in the world, and their beer labels are full of symbols from their storied histories. In MentalFloss.com, Nick Green explains the symbolism behind 20 well-known beer labels.
One of the most common sources of symbols is the brewery’s own history. The eagle on the Yuengling label and the horn on Stella Artois’ harken back to the breweries’ original names. The hometown coat of arms is another source. That’s why there are lions on the Amstel and Modelo Especial labels, and a key on the Beck’s label. Dos Equis resurrected Aztec leader Moctezuma II for its label, and Guinness appropriated the Brian Boru harp.
Green’s article has some other fun facts. Bass’s red triangle was issued Trademark #1 by the British government; until 1908, the text of the Budweiser label was in German; and legend has it that Miller High Life was called “The Champagne of Beers” because it was released a few days before New Year’s Eve.
Finally, there’s Rolling Rock’s mysterious “33”. People have offered numerous explanations, but no one knows for sure how and why that number wound up on the label.
John Tierney of The Atlantic looked at America’s “Beer World”, and summed it up this way: “It’s a world in which up is down, little is big, and there’s no Blue Moon on the horizon.” He goes on to say, “It’s a world in which old standbys are faltering (case sales of Miller High Life were down almost 10 percent in 2013 from the prior year). Mexican labels are dominant (Corona, Modelo, and Dos Equis, account for three of the top four imported beers). And a craft-beer company founded only 20 years ago is coming on strong (”Bartender, pour me a Lagunitas”).”
Tierney makes an interesting point about craft beer’s still-small share of the market. For the most part, these brands haven’t found their way into convenience stores and gas stations, which account for a large fraction of the nation’s beer sales.
On this day in 1848, James W. Marshall found gold at Sutter’s Mill near Sacramento. That discovery attracted hundreds of thousands of “Forty-Niners.” By necessity, these early settlers developed a style of beer known as “California Common,” better known as steam beer.
And now….The Mash!
We begin in Boulder, Colorado, where a brewery got called for illegal procedure after the NFL learned that it had released a “Brett on the Broncos” ale honoring the AFC champions.
The Washington Post has put together a chart that links beverage choice and political views. The most Democratic beer is Milwaukee’s Best, the most Republican beer is Coors Original.
The maker of Jelly Bellys has added a new Draft Beer flavor to its lineup. Inspired by a Hefeweizen ale, it has a wheaty taste. And no, it doesn’t contain any alcohol.
Ohio lawmakers are considering whether to raise the maximum allowable ABV in beer from 12 percent to 21 percent, which is the state’s maximum ABV for wine.
From Paste magazine comes the Cheap American Beers Bracket. The magazine’s staff picked Miller High Life number one, but readers made Pabst Blue Ribbon their champion.
“Beer,” by Luke Bryan, currently tops the country music chart. The last number-one country song with “beer” in its title Billy Currington’s “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer,” in 2010.
Finally, organizers of tomorrow’s Beer Dabbler Carnival in St. Paul, Minnesota, are attempting to set a new world record for world’s largest snowball fight. Over 7,000 are expected to take part.


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California-based tech giant, Apple is preparing for the big launch of its next generation phone, the iPhone 8 next week. The phone is set to be released on 12th September, and will also coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the lucrative model.
It is expected that sales will begin 10 days after the press conference at the launch of the iPhone 8. However, various reports have revealed that the “production glitches” in the new model might just be a reason behind further delay in shipping and sales.
According to different reports, Apple face problems in the manufacturing of their new OLED display, which could erupt more problems for the big tech giant. It will thus be harder for Apple to meet the demand of the iPhone 8 sets, after it will be available for purchase on 22nd September. Moreover, if the supply is limited, it could hurt the impact sales of the most-awaited phone of the year.
It seems that the new OLED display’s compatibility for Apple’s Touch ID with fingerprint sensors, has been a problem for Apple. It had planned to place the touch sensor beneath the screen, as it decided against continuing the conventional Home button on the front. After plenty of thinking, the California-based firm decided against the fingerprint scanner, which now means that the iPhone 8 could only be unlocked through typical passwords or probably by the new speculated 3D facial recognition technology.
Moreover, the new OLED display model has also been a very big problem for Apple according to sources. It is reported that those type of displays are being manufactured by a Samsung partner, but the manufacturing process of that OLED display is different than the one Samsung uses for its OLED displays. In Samsung devices, the display and touch panel are combined, while the OLED display set aside for the iPhone has the touch panel on the outside. The difference is obtained by multiple different manufacturing steps, including more layers of protective film. According to reports, the process used for Apple has more chances of manufacturing errors.
This means that the manufacturing of Apple’s iPhone by contractor Foxconn, which operates in China, will have to find a new solution to get it more error-free, which will thus delay the sales of more iPhone 8 units. Foxconn has increased the production of the iPhone 8 at its plants, and has vowed to increase more workers, while they also offered bonuses to employees who would get new workers to increase production. It was further confirmed by a Foxconn executive, that the OLED displays are difficult to manufacture, and that the new iPhone models will not be cheap.
The iPhone 8 will be released on September 12 at a price of $1,000. However, a delay in shipping might discourage the buyers to splash that much cash on a phone which they will not immediately get. Moreover, the rumours about its display might also discourage the potential buyers of the phone, as they can not test the display in the short testing time.
Moreover, Apple stock opened Thursday at $162.09, but fell as low as $160.87, after the reports were circulated. It has since then rose slightly, but not to the original high. On the other hand, Apple are yet to comment on the report.


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Amazon to Sell Cheaper Kindle With Built-in Ads
Amazon.com Inc is now offering a version of its Kindle device for $25 less, but that electronic book reader will include advertising, the company said on Monday.
The new Kindle will cost $114 instead of the usual $139, and will come with special offers and sponsored screensavers.
The first series of specially-designed screensavers will be from brands including General Motors Co's Buick, Procter & Gamble's Olay, and Visa Inc, Amazon said. Special offers will include $10 for a $20 Amazon.com gift card.
The new Kindle is now available for pre-order to customers in the United States and will ship on May 3, the company said.


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The “Hype or Ripe” study revealed that 70 per cent of marketers believe wearables and smart watches are more hype than substance.
According to Forrester principal analyst JP Gownder, wearable technology is set to become significant. However, he believes that the wearables market is suffering from a hype bubble.
“Consider that the internet itself suffered from a hype bubble in 1999, and yet the internet turned out to be just as important as people had imagined,” he said. Gowndersuggested the same will happen with wearable technology.
In a survey commissioned by Forrester, when asked what sort of devices consumers would consider suitable for wearing, 29 per cent said they would like to be able to attach devices to their wrists and 28 per cent indicated they would like devicesincorporated into their watches. Some 18 per cent were happy for such devices to be attached to their shoes, 15 per cent to clothing and 12 per cent were happy for devices that mimicked jewellery and headphones.
Gownder is convinced the research highlights that it is only a matter of time before wearable technology becomes commonplace. Wearable devices will change the way workers do their jobs and how consumers manage their lives, he said, but added that the market remains at a nascent stage.
Of course, in April 2015 Andy Richter showed his Apple Watch and its capabilities on US show Conan, leaving the host convinced that the watch was useless. Incidents such as this surely don’t help.
According to its research, Greenlight believes twice as many marketers think that wearables are overhyped in comparison to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
This was echoed bythe latest Payments Innovation Jury Report, which explained that, despiteCoinbase raising $75m in what is believed to be the largest ever funding round for a Bitcoin-related company,?cryptocurrencies will not become a viable alternative to “fiat currencies” in the foreseeable future.
Mobile wallets were dismissed as a hammer in search of a nail, due to lack of consumer interest . In terms of Apple Pay, the research claimed it was not adding further value as it did not capture any transactional data.
Read more about digital currency:
- What you need to know about securing digital currency
- Bitcoin: Is regulation finally on the table
- Cryptocurrency and its role in the future of the UK economy
David Furlonger, vice president and Fellow at Gartner, agreed that Bitcoin was overhyped, but that itevidences something more fundamental a shift in the notion of how value is calculated and how value is transferred between entities.
Greenlight is far from finished when it comes to listing overhyped technology. It found that 27 per cent of marketers think virtual reality (VR) and beacons (24 per cent) cannot live up to the hype, while one in five arent convinced by augmented reality (AR).
Admittedly, one can understand their hesitance given the hype around VR in 1992.
In the video below, it’s touted as the next big trend, yet the vast majority of us are still waiting for the technology to fall into our laps.
As for beacon technologies,Miya Knights, senior research analyst of IDC Retail Insights, said: Customers have to go through the rigmarole of downloading apps, accepting permissions and so on. Its too hard.
She noted that instead of being geared towards retail, such technology would currently be better suited in roles such as stock control and point of sale systems.
And Mikael Karlsson, mobile marketing manager for Volvo, described AR as a marketing gimmick .
He said: Im not a big fan of AR. Its a great installation within retail stores, but I don’t think we’re there yet.
With Facebook mulling over plans to make it easier for brands to contact consumers via its Whatsapp service, it’s not surprising that mobile messaging apps are viewed as being most ripe for investment. Some 28 per cent of marketers plan to experiment with mobile messaging in 2015. Live streaming apps like Meerkat and Persicope are also proving popular, bolstered by high-profile campaigns from brands like Spotify and DKNY, and celebrity fans such as Madonna and Jamie Oliver.
Greenlight found that peer pressure plays a major role in marketers decision to embrace new technologies. A third of marketers are influenced by what competitors are doing (34 per cent), while a further 33 per cent pointed to the example set by major brands.
Commenting on the study, Andreas Pouros, Greenlights COO and founder, said: Its easy to be dazzled by the industry buzz around shiny new playthings like the Apple Watch or Oculus Rift, however our research suggests that marketers are increasingly reluctant to drink the kool-aid. Hardened by past mistakes, we are seeing marketers take a wait-and-see approach to new technologies and platforms before making an investment.
“The live-streaming market is a classic example. As the battle for market share between Meerkat and Periscope heats up, we could see some marketers get burnt if they back the wrong horse. As ways, our advice is to invest in technologies that are proven to deliver ROI.
Read more about technology:
- How technology can help smaller businesses compete on the global ecommerce stage
- The four ways social media has revolutionised the recruitment process
- How Jamie Oliver aims to disrupt the food sector via social media
In argument, analysts have suggested that investors are right to be aware of hype bubbles, but that hype, in turn, causes products or services to go mainstream.
Jackie Fenn, vice president of Gartner, claimed that products that were hyped by the media often fail if they don’t deliver the expected results.
Yet if the technology truly holds promise, Fenn said, it usually doesnt die. Somewhere, in a tinkerers garage or a well-funded lab insulated from market pressures, engineers continue to work on it. They learn from mistakes and gain a more realistic perception of the technologys strengths and limitations.
Eventually, the idea resurfaces and achieves mainstream acceptance. Fenn calls it the hype cycle .


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Fashion Week has kicked off in Europe and many celebrities are traveling across the pond to enjoy the shows and parties being thrown by some of their favorite designers, including Philip Plein.
The German designer debuted his new collection during Milan Fashion Week and during his show, there was a tribute to Kobe Bryant which included his new bedazzled purple and gold #24 jerseys, an ode to the NBA legend’s jersey.
While Philip Plein might’ve meant well in his tribute which featured Jada Pinkett-Smith and Olivia Culpo walking the runway in the designs, fans were not feeling this “tribute” and had no problem calling him out for it.
Aside from the jersey (which also had Plein written across the front), people took issue which the gold aircraft that sat center stage seeing how Kobe, his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash.
Now, Plein is responding to the backlash and saying that the design for the stage was designed and planned all the way back in November, before the tragic accident. Saying, “This is the reason why they were gilded helicopters on the runway. I would have clearly removed them if possible, but it was too late to replace them.”
In response to the jerseys (which retail for $2,070) and sweatshirt version (which retail for $3,150), the designer revealed to USA Today that proceeds from the sales have actually gone to the Mamba & Mambacita Foundation, with the first $20,000 being sent the day before his show.
Saying, “This tragedy affected myself and all the world deeply and I feel that my fashion show have been the best moment to express my respect and admiration for Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and his family. It is sad to see how something positive and constructive can be misinterpreted by people who obviously want to interpret negatively without even having a reason. As a matter of fact, I am really doing something to help and support the foundation. Actions speak louder than words.”
CHECK OUT THE DESIGNS AND SOME OF THE COMMENTS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA BELOW:
Photo: Getty Images


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By Maxwell Harding, Founder and CEO Dynamify (www.dynamify.com), a complete digital platform that enables users to pre-order and schedule pick-up times or delivery from food outlets
Since the PM’s roadmap out of lockdown was announced, many hospitality venues have been considering when and how best to open in order to meet regulations while generating enough revenue to feasibly operate. Maxwell Harding, Founder and CEO of Dynamify, shares his thoughts on how technology will play a vital role in the reopening of the hospitality and catering industry post-lockdown. Highlighting how digitised approaches to catering will not only benefit customers but ensure businesses can operate efficiently and cost-effectively.
UTILISING TECHNOLOGY THAT’S READILY AVAILABLE
During 2020, many hospitality venues were quick to adapt and find new ways to serve customers in a contactless way, including click & collect takeaways and QR codes to order, so there’s an argument that Covid-19 has already aided the industry to digitise. However, there are further steps that can be taken in the adoption of technology to maximise profit by utilising software available, including white labelled apps.
Digitising operations doesn’t need to be expensive.The industry has been relatively slow to implement technology, partly because of a misconception that it’s costly and tricky to implement, but also because status quo bias inhibited rapid adoption and adaptation – until Covid-19 took away the option not to innovate. Since launching the Dynamify platform in 2015, we’ve worked closely with hospitality and catering outlets to create a seamless, easy-to-use mobile app that venues can reskin in their branding and then ‘rent’, this is known as ‘Software as a Service’.They require no upkeep, software management or development by the establishment. It’s this type of readily available, plug-and-play technology that the industry must consider in order to future-proof operations and stay ahead of the curve.
REDUCE COSTS TO MATCH A STREAMLINED RETURN TO ‘NORMAL’
The roadmap out of the third national lockdown has shown us that the catering industry will not simply pick up from where it left off in March 2020. The challenges of the past year, coupled with the need to operate in some instances at half capacity to comply with social distancing measures, means many in the industry will be easing back into business with a leaner workforce and a need for more streamlined operations.
Fortunately, readily available automation technology helps hospitality and catering venues to successfully run leaner operations, mainly by cutting capital and operating expenses by up to 50% but also by working out of a centralised kitchen servicing numerous nearby sites.
With automation, there are options to digitise everything in one platform. Apps enable customers to pre- order, make reservations, and pay contactlessly. Not only does this help to relieve time-poor staff, it eliminates physical queues and shared touchpoints, an important element for venues post-Covid. For businesses, the soft- ware offers insight and quick-access data. By tracking orders and managing produce, venues can plan resource and product supply more effectively, reducing waste and saving costs leading to greater sustainability, both environmentally and economically.
Insight into customer purchases is another great way to introduce loyalty and subscription schemes and cre- ate targeted and successful marketing campaigns. In turn this will increase repeat custom and entice new clientele, while reducing costs and time spent on ineffective, ill-informed marketing campaigns.
HOW TECH IS ALREADY HELPING THE INDUSTRY TO CHANGE AND ADAPT
The uptake and implementation of technology in hospitality and catering, which we projected to take five years, has taken less than one- accelerated by the urgent need to remove touchpoints and crowding through- out the pandemic.
Technology has been a lifeline for many hospitality venues over the last year, as apps have helped independent businesses offer click & collect and deliveries, enabling them to compete with large high street chains as well as globally renowned takeaway apps.
Another example of how essential technology has been to the continued running of the catering industry over the last year, can be seen through the exponential increase in the deployment of smart food lockers. These app-access food storage facilities have enabled caterers to continue serving fresh food even after the kitchens and canteens close, while users can pre-order, schedule, pay and collect contactlessly through their mobile phones. At Dynamify, we’ve successfully activated food lockers in various organisations where staff work night shifts, including pharma companies behind the vaccines and in hospitals, meaning frontline workers can access nutritious, fresh food around the clock without queuing.
While food lockers won’t be the norm in every day hospitality outlets, nor will they completely replace tra- ditional restaurant pick-up, they will change the way restaurants with 24/7 customers operate. And learnings from these will likely influence the use of technology in the wider industry over the coming years.
Automation is the key to ensuring the future sustainability of the hospitality industry as it addresses and helps businesses overcome every day challenges – both those identified pre-Covid and, even more paramount, as a result of it.There is a misconception that automation will replace jobs.This is not the case. Utilised properly, automation software can take care of time consuming, mundane and administrative tasks, freeing up time for the customer to enjoy the experience (i.e. the food and atmosphere) and for the staff to focus on additional value-add jobs.
Due to the imminent opening of the hospitality industry, and the essential requirement to operate in accordance with guidelines to ensure safe operations, there is no better time than now for the hospitality industry to embrace it. Furthermore, it’s imperative that the industry recognises that consumers will now expect auto- mated, contactless technology, so hospitality venues risk losing customers if they’re not willing to keep pace.
For further information about Dynamify: www.dynamify.com


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In recent years, Komatha Fresh has been selling premium quality fruit and vegetables to European retail partners via its import office in Amsterdam. The emphasis has been on Indian products such
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Messe München is observing the current developments in connection with COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) very closely. It is our top priority to deal responsibly with this situation. Its dynamic development makes it necessary to reassess the situation on a daily basis. Current information about COVID-19 and the effects on the events at Messe München are available at our site security.
Messe München offers the right location for any type and format of event. We give you the opportunity to create your own world and realize your visions.
From March 23 to 25, LOPEC was held as an online event. In 180 contributions, the speakers of the digital Conference and more than 70 companies at the online exhibition presented groundbreaking developments in printed electronics. Numerous user industries, such as the automotive, textile and entertainment sectors, are drawing on the potential of this technology. In the medical and pharmaceuticals sectors, in particular, a tremendous surge in development became evident.
From March 17–19, 2021, productronica China was successfully held in Shanghai International Expo Centre (SNIEC). productronica China 2021 was held separately from electronica China for the first time this year, expanding the scale of the exhibition. The show attracted 735 exhibitors and their innovative solutions in electronic manufacturing presented to 76,393 visitors on the 65,000 square meter exhibition space. The booked space increased by 12% compared to pre-pandemic figures. Thanks to the results of epidemic prevention, China's economy is the first to recover in the world. There were business opportunities everywhere at productronica China 2021, providing a vibrant environment for the intelligent electronic manufacturing industry.
On March 17–19, 2021, LASER World of PHOTONICS CHINA 2021 was successfully held in the Shanghai New International Expo Center. As an annual high-end event for the optoelectronic technology industry and the first of its kind to open in 2021, LASER World of PHOTONICS CHINA 2021 gathered the leading brands from all over the world to showcase high-quality products and innovative technologies from a global perspective. It presented the future trends in the industry and potentials of optoelectronic technology for modern manufacturing.
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Food makers in a pickle for sudden sugar price hike
The sudden rise in the price of sugar, a key ingredient for popular items such as biscuits, juices, sweets and candies, has pushed up the cost of production, putting manufacturers in a tight spot.
The hike in the manufacturing cost means food processors would either have to go for the adjustment of the prices of their finished products or resize them.
Raising prices would be particularly hard since inflation in Bangladesh sat at a decade high of 9.1 per cent in September and shows no sign of cooling down, eroding the purchasing power of the consumers.
Yesterday, sugar was selling at Tk 100-110 a kilogramme in the retail markets in Dhaka, up from Tk 90-95 two weeks ago.
The jump came as sugar production in Bangladesh is facing disruption owing to the gas crisis, stemming from the inadequate domestic generation and suspension of the imports of the liquefied natural gas by the government amid persistently higher prices of energy in the global market.
A sharp climb in the US dollar price against the taka has already made the imports of crude sugar dearer.
"We are under a lot of pressure owing to the sugar price hike," said Eleash Mridha, managing director of Pran Group.
"We have been forced to increase the prices of many products. But people are spending very carefully owing to the rising cost of living. As a result, sales have dropped by 10-20 per cent recently."
Debasish Singha, head of export of Danish Biscuit, owned by Partex Star Group, said the cost of production has gone up about 30 per cent due to the rise in sugar prices.
The company uses sugar to make biscuits, candies and juices. It bought the key ingredient at Tk 77 per kg in June which is costing Tk 95 currently.
"Due to the hike in the manufacturing cost, the products will have to be resized now since prices can't be increased overnight," said Singha.
Danish Biscuit has reduced the weight of an 80-gramme product to 60 or 70 grammes to absorb the costs, for example.
"If you want to ensure quality, there is no other alternative but to reduce the size of products. If we increase the price, there will be a negative impact on sales," said Singha.
Well Group, which runs a food chain, is observing the situation.
"What can we do under the current circumstances? We are not a sugar producing country," said Syed Nurul Islam, chairman of Well Group.
Well Group plans to raise the price of sweet items by Tk 25-30 per kg from November 1.
Madad Ali Virani, executive director of Olympic Industries Ltd, said due to the increase in sugar prices, the cost of production has increased a lot and the margin has decreased.
"But common people do not want to buy a Tk 10 product at Tk 15 since their purchasing power has not increased. So, the size of the products has to be reduced."
SM Mujibur Rahman, head of accounts of Meghna Group of Industries, says the cost of production has gone up by 7-8 per cent due to the rise in sugar prices.
"Almost all raw materials are expensive now. Due to the increase in the price of sugar, there is additional pressure," he said.
At Khatunganj, a wholesale market in Chattogram, the prices of sugar shot up by Tk 100-150 to Tk 3,780-3,800 a maund (37.32 kg) in the last two days in the face of falling supply, said Anamul Haque, owner of Shah Amanat Trading.
Amid the squeezing supply, the Bangladesh Sugar Refiners Association, on October 20, urged the government to remove all types of import duties on unrefined sugar and allow commercial banks to open letters of credit without any restrictions.
In August, the Bangladesh Bank asked banks to inform it about the opening of LCs whose value is $3 million and above so that the import of non-essential items can be checked.
But a vessel can carry up to 55,000 tonnes of raw sugar valued $27 million to $30 million. As a result, the expenses related to opening of LCs have gone up, said the association.
It requested the government to take steps to help traders import the raw sweetener with deferred payments of up to 365 days and ensure uninterrupted gas supply.
Bangladesh's annual demand for sugar is 25 lakh tonnes. Domestic sugar mills can produce up to 1 lakh tonnes, while the rest is imported.
Mill owners import unrefined sugar from Brazil, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.
According to the refiners' association, about 18 lakh tonnes of unrefined sugar have been imported so far this year.
Globally, sugar prices stood at $0.40 per kg in the third quarter of 2022, slightly down from $0.41 and $0.43 in the January-March and April-June quarters respectively, according to the October 4 data of the World Bank.
Spot prices for refined white sugar on the continent are trading at around 1,050 euros ($1,016.61) a tonne - their highest level yet. Prices in the world market, by contrast, are around half those levels, reported Reuters on October 13.


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Increased innovation frequency in road bike segment – gravel bikes and disc brakes set new trends
Eurobike, the world’s leading bicycle trade show, starts in Friedrichshafen (August 26 to 29, 2015). Anyone looking at the latest road bike innovations, will quickly see that the words racing bikes and conservatism should no longer be used in the same sentence.
The road bike industry has always been innovative and creative. However, until recently new product developments were primarily concerned with saving weight without compromising on rigidity. The bike road bike industry has now reached a point where it’s hard to see further significant weight gains being made. Road bikes that weigh around, or even under six kilograms without any sacrifices on stiffness or functionality are no longer a rarity. For example, at the Eurobike Taiwanese manufacturer Merida is presenting its latest model, the Scultura 9000 LTD. The bike, which will be available as a series model (and is also the future Lampre-Merida pro team bike) weighs just 4.6 kg. These developments have lead to the absurd situation where professional cyclists have to add additional lead weights to their bikes to meet the UCI, cycling’s governing body, minimum weight regulation for competition road bikes – the 6.8 kg rule.
Hitting the bottom of the weight saving scale now means that there is more room for new and different types of road bike innovations. “2016 is going to be a particularly exciting year for the road bike industry. Innovation frequency has increased significantly in the road bike segment. It started a few years ago with the introduction of electronic gear shifting systems, which made big waves in the road bike scene. This was followed by a large number of innovations. We’re talking major developments here,” commented cycling journalist Jens Klötzer, technology expert at “Tour” road bike magazine.
2016 is going to see more new technological innovations than we have witnessed for many years. The most obvious development is disc brakes, which many market observers feel believe could supersede standard rim brakes in a few years.
One reason for this are the advances in lightweight road bike design. Now that many pro riders, and road cycling enthusiasts in general, are opting for carbon rims, caliper brakes are reaching their limit. Wet conditions in particular cause problems due to the smooth surface of carbon rims – reliable braking performance with rim brakes is virtually impossible. Whereas disc brakes, on the other hand, perform well in the wet. In addition road bikes with disc brakes are no longer much heavier than comparable models with rim brakes. For example, Focus Bikes recently picked up a Eurobike Award for its 2016 “Izalco Max Disc”. The north German bicycle manufacturer’s race bike weighs in at the UCI’s 6.8 kg minimum weight, despite its disc brakes and without over-exaggerated tuning.
Road bikes to get larger volume tyres
28 mm is not going to be the new standard for road bikes – the coming year will continue to see most models with (already slightly wider) 25-mm tyres. However, larger-volume tyres are steadily gaining traction and many future road bike frames and forks will have clearance for 28-mm tyres. Why? Because road cyclists are no longer opposed to comfort. The difference in rolling resistance between skinny and wide road bike tyres is hardly worth mentioning, and yet wider tyres are significantly more comfortable. Especially because the new wider top-of-the range tubeless road tyres allow these benefits to achieve their full potential.
Fans of wider tyres, will also appreciate innovations for 2016 in the new road bike segment known as gravel bikes. The trend arrived from the US, where many cyclists are racing on gravel tracks as a traffic-free alternative to riding on highways. At first sight, these bikes look like standard road bikes. A closer look reveals many details carried over from mountain bikes. “Completely new road bike categories are emerging, which no one had even thought of until recently,” said road bike expert Jens Klötzer.
Anyone wanting to experience all the new international developments in the world of road cycling first hand needs to visit the Eurobike in Friedrichshafen. The first three days (Wednesday, August 26 to Friday, August 28) are devoted exclusively to industry professionals and the press, while Saturday, August 29 is open to all road bike enthusiasts. For further information, please visit: www.eurobike-show.de.


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A photo hanging on the wall of Caffe Aroma’s north location reads: “Don’t be like the rest of them darling.” This has become the mantra for the coffee shop’s latest owners.
“There are some amazing coffee shops in the area … We’re creating a brand in a Starbucks, Caribou kind of industry,” said Tina Wetzel of her brand based on neighborliness and customer service.
Two best friends from central Minnesota bought the longtime local business in June 2015 and have grown it into a second location and catering business.
“They came in with energy and enthusiasm,” said commercial Realtor George Yineman, who listed many of the spaces in the Copper Ridge building where Caffe Aroma north is located.
When her husband went to work for Bobcat, Wetzel started shopping around for her own business. She knew Emily Burrows from a restaurant she had managed. They joked over the phone about Burrows moving to Bismarck to open the coffee shop together.
But two days later Burrows called back to say let’s do it.
The pair spent a year and a half in the coffee shop’s former Logan building location before opening up down the block in the former Impact Gallery in December.
“It was the hardest block we’ve ever moved,” said Burrows of the blizzard that hampered their progress.
They like their downtown location, complete with open mic night events, Saturday night jam sessions, eclectic hand-me-down furniture and local art hanging on the walls, which they joke covers up their amateur paint job.
But they’ve found a niche on the north side, too, allowing the friends to get to know a new group of people, Burrows said.
They have found that the space they have in Copper Ridge is like a locally owned oasis in an area mostly dominated by big box stores. In the Copper Ridge strip mall, there is also Karmin’s Kitchen Table, a local dentist and a local eye clinic, to name a few, which fit with the friends’ goal of supporting other local businesses.
“If you expect locals to support you, you have to support local as well,” Wetzel said.
They’ve paired up with Mighty Missouri Coffee to make their own blends to serve in their shops. Sweet Treats and Dakota Nuts and Candy provide desserts and Concrete Daisies provides flowers.
“North just keeps getting better,” said Wetzel, adding a book club meets in the northern location every Wednesday.
“They absolutely know what the demand is downtown and they’re taking that same approach up north,” Yineman said of the women who he calls “intuitive millennial entrepreneurs who see opportunity and expound upon it.”
Yineman said the north coffee shop has become a gathering space for residents of nearby age 55-plus housing developments.
“One lady comes in and then goes out and tells all her friends,” he said. “It’s become like a gathering space for that community.”
And he agrees with the women about the Copper Ridge being a local and regional strip center, adding that the demand for those neighborhood spaces is present across the Bismarck-Mandan community.
“They rely on those rooftops that are nearby,” Yineman said, as well as serving the 300 employees in office buildings nearby.
Still the friends say customer service is how they stand out.
“You become your product,” Wetzel said, and they’ve passed that on to their young employees, showing how far eye contact and conversation can go in building a business.
The pair also has changed up the menu with new wraps, sandwiches and soup, as well as adding natural juices and protein shakes. They added beer and wine to the downtown location this past summer.
Catering makes up 30 percent of their business and Wetzel said people are amazed to find out what they can do with a plate of food.
The two friends said they continue to take things day by day in their business venture to keep it going and growing.


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With the QPay forfeiture, the FCA is putting UK fintech firms on notice
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom used its powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to order fintech firm QPay Europe to forfeit 2 million pounds ($2.5 million) in connection with a wire fraud conspiracy in the United States.
The money was allegedly the proceeds of illegal activity linked to criminal proceedings in the United States relating to an alleged conspiracy to commit wire fraud against banks, credit card companies, and other financial service providers, according to a statement released April 21 by the regulator.
QPay, which provides underwriting and due diligence services, was not named in the FCA's investigation.
The regulator's concerns were first raised in March 2020, when it discovered a series of suspicious transactions and found flaws in QPay's anti-money laundering (AML) procedures during the fintech firm's application to become a regulated firm. Since then, QPay has withdrawn its application to become a regulated company.
QPay allegedly received money as an investment from Fintech International Q Software WLL, a software firm. According to the FCA, "none of the transactions appeared to be related to legitimate business," and QPay repeatedly moved the money to different bank accounts in several countries.
The funds were frozen in seven accounts after the FCA filed urgent proceedings in October and December 2020. In October 2021, the regulator requested that the funds be forfeited.
While law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom have made extensive use of freezing orders since they became available in 2018, legal experts say this is the FCA's first public announcement about using them to combat financial crime.
According to the UK government, account freezing orders recovered £107 million (US $134 million) between 2020 and 2021, up 52 percent from the previous financial year.
"Account forfeiture orders are an important means of intervening and capturing illegal money, and this action is a good example of what can be done," Mark Steward, the FCA's executive director of enforcement and market oversight, said.
Financial crime experts believe the FCA's action demonstrates that the regulator has the legal authority and knows how to use those powers to properly address suspected AML cases. They also believe that the financial services industry, particularly new entrants, should take AML compliance seriously.
Because the bar for obtaining freezing orders is low, Michael Goodwin, a barrister at Red Lion Chambers, believes the FCA "will look to increasingly use forfeiture orders as part of their published drive to combat financial crime." As a result, "strengthening due diligence and AML procedures to mitigate such risks is an obvious first step for all fintechs," he said.
"Challenger banks, crypto exchanges, and fintech firms are all going to face significant regulatory scrutiny, just like financial institutions have for decades," said White & Case partner Jonah Anderson. "We are in a significant period of financial innovation, and by necessity this will create compliance-related challenges. As innovative businesses grow, they need to make sure their compliance function keeps pace with the business."
The FCA's action, according to Thomas Cattee, a white-collar crime partner at law firm Gherson Solicitors, is "a shot across the bow to those in this sector." He went on to say that the move demonstrates that "U.K. regulators will not hesitate to use all the powers available to them, including those under the Money Laundering Regulations and the POCA. The regulators are certainly showing they can effectively choose the correct legislation to successfully pursue wrongdoers under.”"
Following NatWest's £264.8 million (then-US $350 million) fine for AML failures in December, Cattee added that the financial services sector as a whole is being scrutinized much more closely. "This is clearly not an issue exclusive to fintechs," he said.
By fLEXI tEAM


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The next FUT promotional event has already been decided, with the 2022 World Cup taking centre stage in Ultimate Team.
Read on to find out which promo will be next in FUT 23 and what to expect.
Latest - Phenoms inbound
According to various sources, the next Ultimate Team promo will be named 'World Cup Phenoms' in alignment with the ongoing World Cup content.
The World Cup Phenoms card design has already been revealed, with a fancy-looking light-blue item having been revealed via the EA Sports FUT 23 website.
EA released an official statement on the promo in a recent press release:
"Once the quarter finals arrive, FIFA fans will be greeted by a new class of World Cup FUT Phenoms, uplifting the performances of some of football’s brightest stars."
Although nothing has been confirmed, it sounds like the campaign will focus on youngsters or unknown players who have surprisingly been standout performers for their respective countries on the big stage.
Next Promo Release Date
FUT 23's World Cup campaign will run for several weeks, over the course of the Winter competition.
The World Cup Phenoms items will be released on Friday, 9 December.
The fresh set of special cards will be released into packs at the usual time of 1pm ET / 6pm BST.
More Upcoming Promos
Fresh promo content arrives almost every single week in FIFA 23.
Here are some of the promotional campaigns that could arrive next:
- World Cup Team of the Tournament
- Winter Wildcard
- Adidas Numbers Up
- FUT Versus
The World Cup Team of the Tournament campaign will see the top performers at the Qatar World Cup rewarded with special boosted items.
The Winter Wildcard promo will reportedly be this year's Christmas event, with EA selecting a group of fan-favourite players and handing them significant one-time upgrades.
In addition to the rating boosts, selected cards will also be given positions changes and new attributes as well as skill move and weak foot upgrades.
The Adidas Numbers Up promo is yet to be confirmed, however, it will likely feature once again in FUT 23 as it seemed to go down well with the community when it was first released in FIFA 22.
The Numbers Up promo involves the release of dynamic player items that will reach 99 in one specific stat, as well as smaller boosts to their other attributes.


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The INSIDER Summary:
• Snapchat is currently featuring a public story entitled "Boy Beauty," which features makeup tips and styles by men.• Beauty influencers and everyday men alike submitted snaps to the story.• The result is a strong demonstration that makeup is for anyone who wants to use it.
With male beauty vloggers like Manny Gutierrez and James Charles making history nabbing beauty contracts, an official Snapchat Boy Beauty story was inevitable. Men wearing makeup are having a major moment. Guys all around the world have begun to embrace their inner beauty, and this week, the Snapchat story is giving them a huge platform to show off their skills. The app let men all over the United States submit videos of their go-to beauty tips, and the best ones can be found under the Stories section.
The Boy Beauty story not only stars Manny MUA and Charles; some other big-name beauty bloggers like Patrick Starrr, Bretman Rock, and Frankie Grande (Ariana's brother) make appearances, too. There's also a handful of lesser-known, ridiculously talented diva dudes too. Throughout the short video, the guys show off their best beauty tips and tricks, including how to execute the perfect red lip (a very important skill), selfie lighting, and the ins and outs of highlighter application. Sure, us ladies may be aware of them already, but these guys prove makeup can (and should) be accessible to everyone.
Though the Boy Beauty trend is still in its infancy, Snapchat is doing an awesome job of bringing beauty equality to the mainstream—and we, for one, couldn't be more excited. Everyone deserves to look and feel their best—guys included. Whether that means a smooth shave, top knot or no-makeup makeup, gender doesn't have to hinder anyone's love of beauty.
You can check out some screenshots of from the Snapchat Boy Beauty story below. To watch the full video, head over to the app while it's still up. And don't forget to follow these beauty buffs on social media for more tips. These guys are paving the way for a whole new (beauty) world.
Get the latest Snap stock price here.


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EXIM Chairman Kimberly Reed and USDA Under Secretary Ted McKinney Sign EXIM-USDA Memorandum of Understanding to Increase U.S. Agricultural Commodity Exports and Support of America's Farmers, Ranchers, and Agribusiness Supply Chains
WASHINGTON - The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a three-year collaborative effort to promote the export of U.S. agricultural commodities. The initiative will facilitate engagement between EXIM and USDA to identify opportunities to increase the export of U.S. agricultural commodities, as well as the development of an educational program to increase awareness of export opportunities among small agribusinesses and cooperatives.
EXIM President and Chairman Kimberly A. Reed and USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at EXIM's headquarters in Washington, D.C. on August 31, 2020, with the intent to raise awareness of products and services offered by both EXIM and USDA. The signing ceremony was prominently featured today as part of the largest-ever EXIM Annual Conference, which had the theme of "Keeping America Strong: Empowering U.S. Businesses and Workers to Compete Globally."
Chairman Reed and Under Secretary McKinney at the MOU Signing Ceremony at EXIM Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on August 31, 2020
"Given my extensive background in food and agriculture, I have made sure that supporting U.S. agricultural and rural business exports are priorities at EXIM. We look forward to closer collaboration with USDA, and I thank USDA Secretary Perdue and Under Secretary McKinney for their leadership," said Chairman Reed. "America's farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness supply chains have faced stiff competition abroad and felt the impact of both COVID-19 and China's unfair trade practices. I am committed to supporting U.S. jobs, growth, and exports within this vital American industry."
"We all know, but oftentimes forget, that food is the sustenance of life," said Under Secretary McKinney. "This MOU is bringing EXIM and USDA together to help make sure that food is transported safely and effectively so that people eat, at a time when many people do not eat well. With USDA's outreach through our Foreign Agricultural Service, and EXIM's resources, this MOU is a match made in heaven."
In addition to the EXIM-USDA signing ceremony, the 2020 EXIM Annual Conference included a panel entitled "Agricultural Goods - Growing Exports with EXIM Support" that featured Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, who served as a 2019-2020 EXIM Advisory Committee Member, and North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture Douglas Goehring, who served as a 2019-2020 EXIM Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee Member. Earlier this week, Linda Upmeyer, the first woman in Iowa history to be elected as Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives and who has extensive agriculture experience, was appointed as a 2020-2021 EXIM Advisory Committee Member.
Additionally, on September 9, 2020, the EXIM Board of Directors unanimously approved a transaction that could facilitate the authorization of $450 million of insurance coverage on letters of credit issued by the Trade Bank of Iraq for the purchase of U.S. goods and services, such as agricultural commodities, including wheat and rice, and is estimated to support 1,700 jobs across the United States.
EXIM is an independent federal agency that promotes and supports American jobs by providing competitive and necessary export credit to support sales of U.S. goods and services to international buyers. A robust EXIM can level the global playing field for U.S. exporters when they compete against foreign companies that receive support from their governments. EXIM also contributes to U.S. economic growth by helping to create and sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. In recent years, approximately 90 percent of the total number of the agency's authorizations has directly supported small businesses. Since 1992, EXIM has generated more than $9 billion for the U.S. Treasury for repayment of U.S. debt.
For more information about EXIM, please visit www.exim.gov.


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For a recent project, I was tasked with shooting a hot rod. It was exciting from the beginning, because this particular kind of car is pretty rare here where I live.
A National Park remote camera has captured a picture-perfect shot of a mountain lion at night with the city lights of Los Angeles as the backdrop.
Photographer Mark Laita has a mention in Wikipedia for a wild and unusual reason: he was bitten by a black mamba (one of the world’s deadliest snakes), survived, and found that he had accidentally captured the bite on camera.
What if some of the most famous faces in the music industry were decades younger? For his latest project, fashion photographer Viktorija Pashuta shot portraits of 11 children looking like 11 music icons.
Hands up, who here uses hashtags? Trick question. Of course you do. We all do. And if you don’t, you should.
The Northern Lights have been lighting up the sky over Iceland these past few days, and stunning photos of the auroras have been lighting up the Internet.
The news that Samyang was finally making autofocus lenses was a big deal, but for some reason the company decided to launch the first two lenses in only Sony FE mount.
“I get it digital picture frames are dead, uninteresting things that we all tried and left on the wayside with fax machines and 8-track tapes,” wrote Aura founder Abdur Chowdhury a few days ago.
Without a frame of reference, it’s impossible to conceptualize how massive the world’s largest oil tanker, the world’s deepest mine, or a B-2 bomber’s wingspan really are.
AER is based on the premise that you don’t need a drone to capture sweet aerial shots. Nope, just snap your GoPro into this Nerf football looking thing, turn the camera on, and throw it with all your might.
The Ask First Campaign is not primarily about photography, it’s about consent. But when the campaign’s popular stickers and their message was recently applied to photographers taking pictures of people at a public BDSM fair without asking, the proverbial claws came out.
About a year ago, Barcelona-based production company myLapse set out to capture some of the most colorful coral species on Earth in a way the naked eye simply could never pick up.
Flash is a complicated beast, let’s put it that way. Say you’ve spent the last few years of your photography journey perfecting natural light, and you know the exposure triangle by heart.
Photographer and videographer Michael Shainblum just released some 100% unedited 4K test footage and first thoughts from/about the DJI Mavic Pro, and it’s (to use the technical term) freaking gorgeous.
Cropping a photo to exact dimensions in Photoshop can be a real pain, but there’s actually an easy one-step solution built right into the program.
Earlier this week, we showed you some really interesting image editing research from the University of Edinburgh, calling it a peek at the future of Photoshop.
Actress and singer Selena Gomez, owner of the most followed Instagram account in the world, just reached a massive milestone: 100 million followers.
Forget printing your photos on paper. There’s a company out there that can turn your favorite cityscape or family portrait into… crayon art.
There’s nothing quite so frustrating as discovering a lens you own has developed a bad growth of fungus on the internal elements.
Back in 2013, Facebook opened its first data center outside the United States. Located in Luleå, Sweden, the 900,000-square-foot complex — about the size of 11 football fields — looks like something out of a science fiction film.


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Early next month, BitSummit will kick off with its first ever event in Kyoto, Japan. From what we've heard we think it's going to be a great start to a Japanese indie game uprising. Bring on the tidal wave!
Our indie scene here? It's great -- better than ever. Indie games are widely available now on every platform. But Japan? Games in Japan come from big publishers, and their shadow obscures the smaller guys. Think about Tokyo Game Show and all of the franchise re-releases the big publishers beat us over the head with every year. Where are all the crazy, innovative, quality Japanese games we crave?
The 1st annual BitSummit aims to get the smaller guys out of the shadows and into the spotlight by bringing together Japanese independent devs, creative types, media, tech providers like Epic, and platform holders like Valve, to one event, in an effort to make things happen.
BitSummit believes that, given the right tools, Japanese independent game developers can thrive. But they neeed help with things like localization and media connections from out West. This first event aims to give them these tools.
BitSummit is the combined powers of Q-Games, Digital Development Management, Active Gaming Media/Playism, and 8-4, Ltd, and their big shindig does down in Kyoto on March 9.
I've heard just a tease of what to expect at BitSummit. For example, it's rumored that Masaya Matsuura, of PaRappa the Rapper fame, will be there. I also know that the amazing Famicom-headed Professor Sakamoto will be performing there -- love that guy!
This is very exciting. You should be excited, too. BitSummit is good for all of us -- smaller developers, platforms, and gamers.
Stay tuned. We'll have more from the event early next month.


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Pork Commentary: US Meats Supply and Use16 July 2015
US - Last Friday the USDA released their July Meats and Supply Use, writes Jim Long President – CEO Genesus Inc.
As you can see Pork and Beef production is to be up about 3.6 pounds per capita year over year. What is interesting is Beef at 54.2 pounds per capita has current beef cut – outs of $2.36 a pound.
While pork at 49.9 pounds per capita has cut – outs of 81? per pound. Obviously if the pork industry is going to get higher prices for its product it needs to find ways to emulate the taste and flavour of beef. We cannot ignore that wholesale beef is three times the value of pork.
The USDA expects pork exports to be 5.065 billion pounds in 2015. They estimate pork total disappearance to be up 1.5 billion pounds or the equivalency of 7 million hogs. If exports can increase, which we believe will happen with China stepping into the market it will help pull hog prices higher.
Sexing Technologies Acquires Fast Genetics
When we first learned the name Sexing Technologies we thought it was part of an elaborate joke. Now to our surprise Sexing Technologies is joining the sexy field of swine genetics companies with the announced agreement last week it had purchased Fast Genetics from HyLife in Canada who’s a major shareholder was the very large Itochu Company of Japan.
Itochu which has continually increased its shareholding in HyLife (production- slaughter plant) is divesting a small piece of their investment portfolio. Big companies either want to be a major player or get out. Itochu wisely has sold a regional player in the swine genetic industry.
Sexing Technologies which has been a major player in bovine semen sexing evolution has by purchasing Fast made a move to have a platform to introduce their technology to swine.
The new CEO of Fast Genetics is a former executive at PIC. We expect they will try to raid PIC’s sales and technology group. Currently Sexing Technologies is embroiled in lawsuits with former customers, a major lawsuit with ABS – a major bovine A.I. supplier which like PIC is owned by Genus. It is so juicy the drama! You sue, I sue, and we buy swine genetic company and compete.
Sex sorting technology in our mind will not be a game changer in the swine genetic field. Unlike cattle where in the dairy industry there is a huge value in having the one calf a year be a heifer.
The swine industry has a litter. There are more than enough gilts in a litter and a farm to have thousands of females available for breeding stock a year. We do not see any significant economic advantage to have more gilts than barrows (boars). What will the cost be of sex sorting technology versus the benefit? We expect the game is to package Fast – Sexing Technologies into a technology package of to sell to non Ag shareholders. The story could sound good but what is the reality of value.
We wonder if Sexing Technologies will be like Monsanto, when they were in the swine genetics business trying to patent swine genetic processes. We disagree that live beings of any kind should or could be patented. Monsanto failed, sold out to Choice Genetics and left the business, while Choice subsequently went to Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
When we read about the lawsuits that Sexing Technologies have had in the cattle industry, it will be wise for anyone who purchases Fast and Sexing Technologies to read the fine print of a contract.
Exciting times in the swine genetic business – let the battle continue.
This coming week we will be speaking at the National Pork Industry Conference in Wisconsin Dells. We will report our observations of the three day event in next week’s commentary.
|Author: Jim Long, President & CEO, Genesus Genetics|
please take the time to visit their website at
The opinions expressed in this commentary are entirely those of the author and can not taken to represent the views of ThePigSite.com, its owners or its management.


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At least that's what Ford told us.
Although it's not officially set to go on sale until 2018, Ford chose the 2017 Geneva Motor Show as the venue to display its next generation Fiesta ST hot hatch for the first time. Two things you need to know off the bat: Yes, a six-speed manual will be the only gearbox offered, and no, the three-door version you see pictured here won't be sold in the US. As is the case today, the US will have the five-door Fiesta ST only while Europe will have the three and five-door.
But no matter, this new Fiesta ST picks up right where the existing car leaves off. However, the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder is being replaced by a smaller 1.5-liter three-cylinder, also turbocharged. One thing we were curious about is whether or not this change will negatively affect the hot hatch's sound. "Not at all," chief engineer Tyrone Johnson explained to us. "In fact, the sound will be even better. It all matters on how you do the exhaust." Going back to the engine choice, why did Ford opt to go even smaller? "It's very simple. Weight advantages, as well as emissions, and this is Ford's first application of this turbo three-cylinder."
Other noted areas of improvement Johnson mentioned are in the suspension, general comfort and stiffness. "However, it still has that same go-kart like feeling,"Johnson emphasized. And for the record, a Fiesta RS is still not happening, with either the outgoing Fiesta ST or the next one. "There simply isn't a business case," Johnson clarified. "Plus, an all-wheel drive system would make the car way too heavy." We pressed Johnson for any official 2018 Fiesta ST specs, but was told those will all be coming later this year.


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Xbox and PlayStation Exclusive Games
There have been a lot of talk about Xbox and PlayStation exclusive games. This article will look at Sony’s push for PlayStation exclusives, Microsoft’s online-only gameplay plan, and the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We will also discuss Forza Horizon 5. Hopefully, this article will shed some light on the matter. For now, however, we will stick to our original focus: videogames.
Sony’s push for PlayStation exclusives
Sony has made it a point of targeting PC gamers in a unique way. The Xbox allows game developers to distribute their games anywhere. PlayStation gamers can only use the console to play them. Sony has heeded Microsoft’s lead in this regard by establishing a PlayStation PC label and releasing games on the PC alongside PS5.
The PlayStation also recently bought Nixxes Software, a PC gaming studio whose portfolio included PC versions of Square Enix properties such as Thief and Hitman. This acquisition is a clear indication of the company’s desire for more exclusive titles for PlayStation. The company is also investing in PlayStation Now and PC gaming in order to complement PS5 sales. This strategy is ultimately working. So, is the PlayStation push to make PlayStation exclusives a good move?
If Sony’s push for PlayStation exclusives continues, it may be a good idea to consider porting these games to PC. Uncharted 4 will be released this year, and God of War will be available on PC in 2022. Additionally, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard could make games for PlayStation exclusives more accessible for PC users. The PlayStation is the best place for gamers to play games, but PC games are becoming more valuable.
To make this happen, Sony has created a new division called ‘PlayStation PC LLC’ that will be responsible for publishing PlayStation games for PCs. PlayStation Mobile LLC published PlayStation games for PC in April. To handle this task, a new division was created – PlayStation PC LLC. The name changed from PlayStation Mobile LLC to PlayStation PC LLC and all Sony games on Steam are listed as being published by PlayStation PC LLC.
Xbox’s online-only gaming plan
Microsoft’s Xbox Live has a variety of benefits, including exclusive access to a unified “Friends List” across all of the company’s titles and online multiplayer games. Additionally, Xbox Live subscribers receive early access to betas and special offers. The service also offers video-kinect compatibility, which is particularly beneficial for online multiplayer games. Xbox subscribers are also given storage space on Xbox servers for their purchased games.
The Xbox’s online-only gameplay plans for exclusive games aren’t new, but it’s unclear if Microsoft’s plan will actually lead to the creation of exclusive titles. The biggest question is how a future Activision and Blizzard title will impact Xbox’s sales. Microsoft has yet to respond to those questions, but recent tweets suggest that it has no plans to cut games from PlayStation or Xbox games.
Halo is a classic example of Xbox 360’s success. Halo was the first game in the renowned first-person shooter series and developed by the Chicago studio Bungie. Microsoft commissioned Bungie to develop the game, which subsequently spawned the ‘Halo’ series. Since its release, Xbox 360 sales have increased dramatically, and Halo’s success has made the console synonymous with online multiplayer.
Activision’s purchase of Xbox could make it easier for gamers to play games on the Xbox. The deal could give Microsoft a massive edge over competitors, especially in the exclusives market. With a Game Pass subscription, players can access dozens of new Xbox games from a single platform, and it’s even possible that the Xbox could bring back Guitar Hero, which has been around since the mid-1990s.
Sony’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Microsoft’s acquisition Activision Blizzrd may mean that exclusive Xbox and PlayStation games will be a thing of the passé. The new company will likely offer all its IPs to Microsoft’s Game Pass service. Activision Blizzard may also be included in the new company. Diablo, Overwatch, and Call Of Duty are likely to be included. The PlayStation and Xbox platforms are already facing significant competition from Microsoft and the upcoming acquisition could hurt the competition even more.
The PlayStation and Xbox exclusive games could be a thing of the past, but there is a chance that Activision games could still come to the PlayStation. Overwatch and Call of Duty are popular games on PlayStation and Xbox, so the consoles are likely to receive their respective games. Microsoft also has a high enough profit margin to develop Xbox-exclusive games. But, it could take a while before the consoles are made exclusive.
Sony shares plunged almost 13% in Tokyo after Microsoft announced its plans for Activision acquisition. The stock of Sony Group also dropped 5% in the U.S. following the announcement. Sony shareholders likely fear a growing rivalry with Microsoft and fear that Activision Blizzard will pull popular games from Sony’s PlayStation platform. The company still has time to make a move, even if the deal is not finalized.
Piers Harding-Rolls from Ampere Analysis says that the move could hurt the PlayStation’s licensing revenues. While Microsoft’s move could sway investors’ decisions, Sony may be better positioned to compete with Microsoft in the gaming industry. Sony should still make this acquisition. In particular, it is crucial that Sony keeps its focus on exclusive content.
Forza Horizon 5
Although there are no plans to port “Forza Horizon 5” to PC, it will most likely be available exclusively on Xbox and PlayStation. Xbox gamers have always been envious of Playstation titles. The latest title is a fusion of simulation and open world racing. Xbox gamers will be delighted to find a game that delivers all they have come to expect from the series. Forza Horizon 5 is expected to be a popular game, with more than 4.5 million players in the first few hours of launch.
The game is available on multiple platforms but it has received positive critical reviews. Before its launch, “Forza Horizon 5” has received high scores from major game critics and users. The game has a Metacritic score of 92, and gamers have praised its graphics, gameplay, and open world challenges. Although there is some discussion about the game’s low popularity among Xbox users, it seems like it is poised to change.
Despite Forza Horizon 5’s positive reviews it is unlikely that it will be released on PlayStation consoles. Microsoft tends to avoid releasing games on rival platforms. Halo Infinite and Gears 6 are unlikely to be released on PS platforms. It’s a great way for Forza to expand its reach. The game’s incompatibility with the PS4 may be a positive sign for Xbox gamers.
Forza Horizon 5 will take place in a Mexican open-world, so players can explore new features and modes as they play the game. The game will have a new open world, new cars and new modes. Playground Games will use this to further expand their franchise, which they launched in 2015.
The Xbox and PlayStation will no longer be competing for the exclusive Halo franchise with the release of Halo Infinite on December 8. The fourth entry in the popular series will be available exclusively on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This may disappoint PlayStation gamers, but it is not surprising, considering that Xbox has been making waves within the gaming community with Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Game Pass.
Although there are some production issues and the gameplay reveal wasn’t very positive, Halo Infinite still manages to win over critics and long-time fans with its open world, robust multiplayer mode, and dozens of rewards. Halo fans are excited to give the game a try. But before we can be sure that Halo Infinite is the best game of its generation, we should take a look at some of its flaws.
While the Halo series was previously exclusively a Microsoft franchise, the studio behind the series, Bungie, has decided to keep the rights for the Destiny franchise. This means that the game will have a higher chance of becoming an Xbox or PlayStation exclusive. This is great news for both consoles and gamers should be excited about the game. And with the new addition of multiplayer capabilities, Halo Infinite should be even better than its predecessors.
The Xbox One’s game lineup included Forza Horizon 5, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Halo Infinite. Those are some of the big games that were announced during the Xbox 2021 launch. There are also a variety of smaller-scale games that help keep the Xbox library varied. What does the Xbox 2021 lineup have in store for gamers? What will be the next Xbox exclusive title?


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Chrysler is telling about 2,500 owners of a 2013 Dodge Challenger in the U.S., Canada and Middle East to park their vehicle and contact their dealer on concerns that a short circuit in a wiring harness could cause a fire.
Only 2013 Challengers with a V6 built over an eight-week period that ended Jan. 24 are affected.
Dealers will arrange to pick up the cars and provide a loaner while repairs are made, at no cost to the customer.
The automaker notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Monday of the recall of 4,559 Challengers, but Chrysler started notifying customers by phone and mail on the weekend, said spokesman Eric Mayne.
The recall includes 2,159 vehicles currently owned by U.S. customers, an additional 1,900 on dealer lots, 50 sold in Canada and 350 sold in the Middle East, Mayne said.
The problem stems from a shipment of electric components that was not properly configured. It was actually the re-working of the component that was faulty, creating the potential for the wiring harness to overheat and catch fire.
There have been seven fires but no injuries, the automaker said in a statement.
As a precaution, owners are being told to not drive their vehicles and to not park them in or near buildings or parking structures until the problem is fixed, at no charge to customers.
The parts are unique to the muscle car. The Challenger is built in Brampton, Ontario, alongside the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, but the Charger and 300 are on a newer platform and not all parts are common with the older-generation Challenger.
Mayne would not say whether the problem stemmed from a supplier, the automaker or a combination of the two.